~ simply feisty seeds

Celebrating Ten Years

Back in 2003 when I first started there weren’t all that many book blogs around. There were some. The first ones I found were Maud Newton and Bookninja. Through them I discovered a few others. At that time it seemed to me they were all so very literary, all people who were working to become published writers, all so very smart and I never left a comment because I was so intimidated. It’s a good thing I started blogging before I found them otherwise I might have changed my mind. I had heard about blogs from I don’t know where and I thought, hey, I should start a blog about books I’m reading. I was feeling rather alone in my obsessive bookishness and I thought maybe somehow talking about books on the internet would help me find other equally obsessed bookish folk.

Blogger was pretty much the only game in town. It had all of five or so really basic templates to choose from and if you wanted to customize anything you had to know html as well as Blogger code. I bought a book – surprise! – and learned both and discovered what great fun it was monkeying around with code. Blogger had very few bells and whistles. Their comment feature was pretty cruddy so I found a third party comment site and added their code. It was a sad thing when I moved from Blogger to WordPress several years later to not be able to transfer the comments with the blog posts but there was nothing to be done about it.

A few years after I started blogging the number of book blogs had grown quite a lot and was starting to become a little community. It was still small enough that it seemed like everybody knew everybody or at the very least knew of everybody. And then there was an explosion and book blogs became a thing and there were more than I could keep track of which was great but also sad because, while there was still a great sense of community, I also felt a sense of loss at not being able to keep track of what everyone was reading and doing.

And the years have flown by. I have discovered and read books I probably would have missed if not for blogging. And my TBR pile! Pre-blogging I had a lot of books, I won’t deny that, but I am pretty sure I can blame a good many of you reading this for adding a book or two or three to my shelves! I’ve made 2,980 posts counting this one (I so wanted to say 3,000, but we don’t always get what we want) and you’ve helped contribute to the 26,267 comments and counting.

Every now and then, as is natural I think, I find myself wondering how long I might keep up this blogging thing. And every time I ask myself, am I still having fun? And the answer is always a resounding yes! As long as I am having fun, I will keep at it which means I might be going for another ten years.

You know what makes blogging so much fun? You. I know it sounds trite and sentimental, but it’s true. All of you taking the time out of your busy day to stop by and read and even leave a comment is as thrilling and wonderful and completely mindboggling as was the very first visitor and comment I ever got. What is even more amazing to me is that so many of you have also become friends. It is far beyond my wildest dreams. Back in 2003 all I was hoping for was contact with a few people who wouldn’t say things like “wow you have a lot of books” and “why are you reading Charles Dickens?” and “you sure read a lot.” I feel like I have found my people and what a great big bunch of fantastic people it is.

Thank you.

If I were a billionaire I’d throw a huge party and send you all plane tickets to get you here. Since I can’t do that I have put together a little thank you present, a sort of reading kit with all sorts of goodies in it. But because I am not a billionaire I have only one to give away so everyone who leaves a comment will be entered into a drawing for it. I will draw a name next Saturday.

Now Bookman and I are off to the Twin Cities Book Festival where we will attend a reading by Nicholson Baker, a panel discussion on what and how to read in the 21st century, a session or two we haven’t decided on yet, and of course, there will be booksellers there and I might buy a book. Or two. Wasn’t it thoughtful of the organizers to have it on my 10-year blogiversary?

Truth be said since you became a daily friend talking to my inbox every now and then, it’s been so much fun. True some days it feels like ‘What’s this?’ Running through the lines or ignoring the post … Still, somehow, I subconsciously look forward to each post and when I see a new one I smile. I probably would have sent you my poetry collection in e-form as a present but I fear it might be far out of your regular taste – after all, I have been with you long enough to know that taste 😉
Still, send that mail.
May your every continual reading, posting, thinking and feeling give you so much more to smile about. Thanks for giving us one decade – it means a millennium.

Well done on ten years of blogging. I have only been on wordpress for a litle under 2 years writing a book blog- but I blogged (not that seriously) over on LiveJournal for ages before that. I migraed my old posts over to wordpress – though they make for pretty dire reading I rather wish I hadn’t. It never ceases to amaze me how many book blogs there are now. I constantly feel I must be missing out on some wonderful ones that I have not discovered yet. I also find my tbr and wishlist growing because of things I see written about.

Congratulation! What an achievement…and here I was doing cartwheels on completing a year of blogging! 🙂 When I started blogging I too was just looking for some people with whom I could share ideas/thoughts and exchange “whats good to read” notes! Since then I have made a lot of friends and followed many in their cyber meandering but you remain and continue to be an inspiration – my TBR pile and my activities have so much increased ever since I stumbled on your blog so many light years away! I am honored not only to call you an inspiration but a friend! Keep up the great work and here’s wishing you all the success and much more! If I was millionaire I would sent a crate of bubblies….but instead here’s to a virtual Cheers!!!

Amazing! and a huge Congrats to you, Stefanie! I’m in my sixth year and yours is one of my very first book blogs I discovered. I’m always amazed by how prolific you are as a blogger, always have something thought-provoking to discuss. Best of all, I feel, you’ve kept it light and very accessible too. Keep up the great work and all the best in your future endeavors.

10 years! Wow! By the time I started my little blog (about 2 1/2 years after you), the blogosphere had already become a place that didn’t always have the reputation of being so high-brow, which is a good thing, because I never would have started, either! You were one of the first blogs I began reading on a regular basis, and I have to agree that other bloggers are what make it all worthwhile. It’s been great fun getting to know you. Now, we really MUST meet in person…

Congratulations!!! I’m so glad you’ve been blogging these ten years! You are directly responsible for my blog, as you were the first one I came across who was doing what I felt I could do too — write in an informal way about books and reading, as opposed to book culture, publishing, author gossip, etc. When I first found your blog, I was enthralled! I’m so pleased what we’ve kept reading each other over the years. It’s people like you who make me want to keep mine going. Thank you!

Rebecca, thank you for your kind words. I am glad you started blogging even though you have been responsible for for a large chunk of my TBR pile! I am glad we have kept up with each other through the years too. It’s been such a pleasure.

Hi Stefanie, Thanks so much for the great quality blog that you do. I really look forward to your posts. Had no idea you’d been doing this 10 years. Congratulations. I hope you enjoy this for a good long time to come. Also, that you never run out of books you want to read!

Dear Stephanie,
I am awed. Almost 3000 posts!!!!! A few months ago (inspired, among other things, by your peerless work) I tried my hand at blogging… all I can say is, chapeau!!!!!
I look forward to another 3000… ¡¡¡Gracias, muchas gracias!!!

Stef…happy happy anniversary! You know what? Yours was the very first “book blog” I ever read. In fact, I believe it was the first blog period. Your posts were so clever and those who posted comments were so insightful that it took a while for me to submit my first comment. I lurked in the background because I had little confidence I could contribute to anything that was said. After reading your blog for a while (and a few significant others) I figured I should dive right in and start my own. I I love reading your posts and haven’t missed one since I found your blog years ago. Thank you for being there with your humor, your unique perspective on books, and your love of life! (And for making me want to plant beans next year!)

Grad, oh you are so sweet, thank you. I am glad you decided to cease lurking and dive in. I love when you stop by and I am glad you started blogging too. As for beans, yellow wax beans and purple dragon, keep them well watered and they will be good to you 🙂

Ten years, that is amazing. That is old enough for book blogs to have a history. Remember when you were in Newsweek? You have outlasted Newsweek!

At some point, soon after I began my own march of folly, I systematically went through every single entry in your blogroll looking for kindred spirits, good writing, useful examples, who knows what. So you must have been among the first I read, too. All of that Emerson attracted my attention.

Tom, LOL, thanks! Ah Emerson was a fun project. I have been thinking about revisiting him. I am glad you began your own march of folly because you have been very encouraging and inspirational and I value your smart commentary.

Congratulations on the first decade of this wonderful blog. Yours was the first blog I remember reading some years ago and I became a regular reader at once. I don’t have my own blog as yet and certainly admire people like you who consistently publish such interesting and informative posts while still having a life (and a reading life) on the side. Thank you for so many interesting thoughts and book ideas over the years and all best wishes for the future.

Congratulations Stefanie. That’s a wonderful achievement. (My 4.5 years is rather paltry by comparison!) I’m thrilled to have met you – and then others – through your great blog. I love the mix of book reviews, booking news and gardening things. I always enjoy coming here to catch up with where you’re at. (And I now look forward to your report on the Twin Cities festival.

A decade, wow! It is nice to get comments from people who know why “you sure read a lot” is not a conversational opening; I think I started reading your blog more often because of the comments you made elsewhere, making me want to hear more of what you think.

Jeanne, thanks! You know, that’s how I discover new bloggers these days, through their comments elsewhere. I think, who is this person? and have to go find out. It is so much fun to engage with those who are also engaged. And it is nice to talk to people whose TBR piles are as big as mine! 🙂

Congrats on 10 years! That’s an amazing accomplishment, especially given that you post so regularly and write so well. Yours is one of the first blogs I discovered, and I look forward to reading it every day.

Congratulations, Stefanie! It’s been such a treat to read about your reading adventures. Wishing you many more years of blogging fun! And, hey, what a great way to celebrate your bloggiversary – hope you guys have a blast at the book festival!

Ten years is a long time in the blogging world! Like you I have watched things change, it all started out rather small and cozy but now the book-blogging world is so large I’m just in one small corner of it. I still enjoy it a lot, even though I can’t keep up with everything anymore. And I’m glad that reading blogs like yours has added so much to my ever-growing TBR pile! There will always be books to love, and other book-lovers to commiserate with.

Jeane, heh, I think we can all say that reading each other’s blogs have added to our TBR piles! It is a wonderful thought that there will always be books to love and other book lovers to commiserate with!

Stefanie. Firstly, I think it is entirely appropriate that the Twin Cities Book…. People, chose your 10-Year Blogiversary to hold their own event. It is the way things should be.
You have been blogging for two years longer than I have — and what you say about developing friends, and a little coterie of mutual devotees, it is so true that this is one of the real neat-o things about blogging. Your own blog has definitely become one of my very favorite ones. Everything you write is thoughtful, relevant and just…… well-written. Plus, the wonderful personality that shines through is also so evident. And I think that everyone who visits So Many Books leaves [and returns] with the feeling that they would love to have you as a friend. Anyone who becomes one is a fortunate person.
Having said that… when you and your Bookman win the Super-Lotto, I hope I am invited to that party. And if I win, over here — you will be the first to receive an invite.

Cipriano, you are such a sweetheart! When Bookman and I win the super-lotto the first plane ticket and invite goes to you. Though you’ll have to bring your own burgers and beer unless you are willing to try veggie burgers and natural soda 🙂

What a pioneer you are. Ten years ago I had heard of this new malarkey called blogging but had no real clue how it worked. And there you were already doing it. I take my hat off to anyone who gets excited about HTML codes and the like. Here’s to the next ten years..

Congratulations! What a wonderful discovery you and your blog have proved. With your wide range of interests, wisdom and wit, with the personality that shines radiantly through the prose, you’ve made this blog a great place to be. Truly, Stefanie, you’re a marvel, in word and in deed.

I don’t have anything really to add to what already’s been said beyond congratulations. I’ve been blogging for eight years myself at the end of this month. Ten years is a phenomenal accomplishment. Here’s to another 10. 🙂

Happy birthday! I’m glad you’re still enjoying it. 🙂 Blogger was pretty lame (and the only choice) when I started too…I’m not sure it’s any better now, which is why I also have moved on to WP. Not that it doesn’t have issues, of course.

Well I am late with my wishes, and I am so sad I missed this post last weekend. Happy 10 years, Stefanie! You have a lovely blog, one that is on my must-read list when I come on to visit book blogs. I enjoy your wide range of reading, the glimpses of your private life, and your thoughtful views on anything and everything to do with books, and literacy, and the reading life. Congratulations on reaching 10 years and still blogging as steadily as ever, and continually having fun doing it. This is a real milestone to achieve.

I hope we are all here in another 10 years, that would be something, wouldn’t it? I love the gardening notes that have crept in, too. Happy blogiversary, Stefanie!

Very thoughtful of them (and I am looking forward to reading about it!). Congrats on ten years–that’s a lot and you are still going strong–yay. You were one of the first book blogs I discovered and when you added me to your blogroll I was silly happy! 🙂 Here’s to many more bookish years!

My blogging has been so sporadic this autumn, due to the writing course and endless life irritations, so I’m really sorry I missed this post when it was published. But you know, I hope, how delighted I am to have you on my blogroll and to call you friend. Here’s to another fabulous decade. Hugs!